He walks towards me, steady steps, the one of a predators walking towards his prey.
His hazel eyes look straight into me,as if pulling me towards them. I wanted to look somewhere else,but I was trapped under those orbs.
"Hello,Miss Adarsh." His lips curved into a smile,his dimples evident from the arch of his cheeks. Those hazel eyes scanned me like I'm his evening meal.
"Hello. Mr-"
He arched an eyebrow at me.
I'm having a short circuit in my brain right now. I can't even remember his name. What the fuck is happening to me!
"Mr. Saxena. It's nice to meet you." I managed to speak. Somehow.
He smiled with satisfaction. God, I'll eat that smile!
"The pleasure is all mine." He walked towards me and signalled the guy beside me whose name I have probably forgotten, to leave.
He forwarded his hand towards me, asking me to hold it and I obeyed like the good girl I am. Well,this good girl is having bad thoughts.
We walked towards the table and I sat on the chair beside the huge table. He pulled the chair for me to sit, like a gentleman. I wondered if he was trying to look one or give me the false impression.
Because it was working...
He sat across me and called the waiter .
"Do you drink wine?" He asked me.
What should I answer? That I'm one of those douchebags that have never even tasted one for trying to be a good girl?
"Uh, I basically stay away from alcohol." I reply.
He smirked.
"Wine doesn't have that much of alcohol. It's mostly grapes."
Great job Meera for acting out the dumbest geek out there!
"Try once, if you don't like the taste then I'll arrange a mocktail for you."
He's so sweet. Or maybe acting one to get me make some stupid move. Though, I'm already being stupid, ain't I?
"Ok."
The waiter served us the wine in those tall glasses. They look so classy, I always wanted to have one.
Put Coca-cola in it and act as if I am drinking wine.
I picked up the glass,my hands already shaking. I'm scared that it'll fall from my hand. And secondly, he is staring at me like a hawk. As if watching my every move.
I just pray that the floor splits into half and takes me in.
I sip in the pale yellow drink, the fluid burning my throat instantly. Honestly, I needed it. A few slaps on my face will also do if it can distract me from those sharp gazes that are scrutinizing me.
"How is it?" He took a sip of the wine and stared back at me expecting an answer.
"It's nice." Honestly, I don't know why the hell I said that!
He looked pleased with my answer and placed his hands on the table, flashing his high priced watch on his wrist. That must cost a fortune.
"What's the matter?" He looked straight into my eyes,as if trying to pull out every bit of truth from my soul.
I looked at him questioningly.
"You look scared. Do I look scary?"
For a minute, I'm thankful that I wasn't sipping the wine at that time. Else it would've stuck at my throat and choked me to death.
Is he a mind reader?
"Na-no. No." I blinked my eyes a few times.
"Well, you should be." He smirked. His eyes reflected something very wicked.
I don't know if it is me or the air feels heavier by his looks.
"Why should I be?" Finally! A proper sentence. I should be handed a medal for this.
But I regret it the moment I see his hazel eyes changing a shade darker. It was like yellowish brown.
As if he has some plans laid out for me. And they aren't good.
But somehow, I wasn't scared. I was intimidated,not scared.
"Why did you decide to be a sugar baby?" His abrupt change in topic caught me off gaurd.
Why does he ask questions that are the most hard to answer?
Should I tell him that my mother sold me? Should I lie? But what if he already knows but is trying to play a game with me?
"Situation forced me." I gave a meek smile and stared back at him trying to look all fine.
He looked quite amused by my answer.But thankfully,he didn't drag it further.
"You were born in California?" He continued with his investigation.
"No. I was born and brought up in Kolkata."
"Bengali?"
"No, actually a South Indian."
"Intresting. So you're a South Indian who was brought up in Kolkata and is now studying in America?"
"Yes."
"How come you came here?"
"I...um...I always wanted to explore foreign countries, one of them being America. One of my mother's friends advised to send me outside."
"Okay. And you agreed?" He looks down at his phone relieving me of the scrutinizing stares for a minute.
"Yes. In my house, studying and doing a job outside like a golden offer."
Maybe I said too much. He didn't ask me that,did he?
"Mhmm. So, are you alright with this?" He stares back at me with a calculative gaze.
I don't know what to answer. I'm not alright with all this. Honestly, I just want to run back home,sit in my bed and watch Vampire Diaries. And think about what topic to study next. Just like a normal teenager does!
I never wanted any of this! I just wanted a peaceful life!
"Yeah."
I can tell that he was not satisfied with my answer. Maybe he can see through me.
The waiter served us the dinner. The plate was filled with macaroni cheese pasta with some green toppings whose name I didn't know.
The smell was already waffling my olfactory nerves. Only because I have to maintain myself,else I would have been eating without any etiquette.
"Pepper?" I look back at him,he holding the stylish pepper container. Yeah, the pepper bottle is also sleek and stylish.
"Yes."
I thought he'll forward the container,but he leaned forward and jerked the container over the pasta. I observed his eyes focused on his work and he looked so sexy.
Who looks sexy while putting pepper on pasta?
Ok. This is going too far. Control your mind Meera!
He looked back at me and smiled. And I feel like an asthma patient.
I am breathing issues.
For the next half an hour we ate in silence. I thought it would be relieving,but it turned out to be dreadful.
Half of the time,he kept staring at me while I was slurping the pasta in my mouth.
Now, how am I supposed to eat when a handsome guy is looking at me like that?
And why he is looking at me even? Definitely regretting his choice. I'm sure about that.
After the dinner he stands out of his seat and walks towards me. I notice his hand forwarded at me.
I get the cue and obey as usual. I place my hand over his and he takes me towards another room.
This room is more comfier than the dinning area. It has got beautiful furtnitures that don't overwhelm the closure the place gives you. There's no painting,but a small fire place with two couches sitting with each other.
Looking at it,I can imagine the movie scenes where two men sit together and discuss things that's either related or utter garbage for the movie.
My attention is broken by Dhruv who asks me to settle down in one of the couches.
I walk towards the left one and settle in it. My butt squeezes the squishy material inside the fabric and I badly want to lean my back over the back of the couch.
Dhruv sits across me.
For second thoughts,I had doubts about why I wasn't rejected yet.
"Wine?" He asked.
"Yes please." I feel much more confident now with the wine hitting me.
I just pray that this night doesn't turn out worse.
It's something I pray regularly. But this time,it feels like life or death.
"Meera?"I look at Dhruv who's staring back at me seriously.
Oh no! Did I do something wrong?
"I really want this to work."
I gawk at him for a minute, dumbstruck by his statement.
"I mean, I really think that you're different from the other girls I met. You're... better than them."
Did I hear right? Or this is my imagination?
I just stared at him, looking for more explanation.
"I don't think that I am. But I am glad that you felt that way." I say, looking down at my nails. They look polished.
And they make me wonder. Is my behavior good for him,or it's the outer polishing that makes him like me.
I hear a sigh from the other side.
"You underestimate yourself." He smiles and moves up from his seat, carrying the wine glass.
He struts towards me with pride and hands me the glass.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to be so formal." He smiles at me, revealing the dimples digging holes in his cheeks.
And I think I am drooling with lust. I want to eat those dimples.
Damn,Meera!
I flicker my eyelids trying to get hold of myself.
"Umm,no. I just... It's our first meeting."
"Making a good impression?" His eyes drop at my lips and they stay there for a while.
My hormones are partying right now. My thigh is screaming 'Get me to bed' and my mind wants me pre book my funeral for the cats and Laila to attend.
This guy is going to kill me someway or the other.
And I'm scared that I will be the one digging my own grave and laying on it.
"Uhh-"
He bends down as if proposing me with a ring and looks at me with those beautiful hazel eyes.
I seriously wouldn't mind if he says that he wants to fuck me. My whole body is running on estrogen.
What is happening to me? I feel like hitting my head somewhere.
"You're beautiful." He says in his silky smooth tone and I am all wet!
His right hand reaches towards my face and he allows his thumb to trace my cheek.
"I've been with a lot of women,Meera. But I can say with confidence that none of them have that charm like you do."
I wish he is saying the truth. But I know that it's just one of those tricks to allure me into this. I guess.
My body may run high on estrogen but I am not a believer and not a fool! Especially when I have a garbage mother who can get to any extent for money.
"Thank you. You're handsome too." He arches his brow, quite amused with my reply.
I smile.
I'm not getting your game,Mister!
His finger slides towards my lips, leaving invisible burns in my skin over his trail.
Why is it getting so difficult? I'm worried that I will now start acting like a real slut with his gorgeous man doing his eye tricks like Damon Salvatore.
Is he a Vampire?
I laugh at my own thought.
"What's funny?" He asks me.
Oops! I should take care of my expressive face.
"Nothing. Can I get some water?"
I said this to distract him from my lips but now I feel that maybe I should attain a degree on how to be smart.
But luckily,he agrees with a smile.
What's with the smile thing with everyone!
He hands me the glass and I gulp down the water in a go. Trying to avoid the gazes from him.
"You said no kissing in the form." His statement makes me feel like throwing up the water in the carpet. But it's a beautiful carpet, maybe a million dollar one. Why destroy it with my poor mouth?
So I hold back and force the liquid down my throat. I hope I don't look ugly doing it.
"Umm,yeah." I whisper not getting the confidence to go further with the topic.
"Why?" He asks with dissapointment. Typical of jerks. Poor guy won't get the chance to stick his lips with mine. Ironically, I will like it. But no thank you. I would like to save my first kiss for the love of my life. If he ever appears.
"I don't like it."
"You don't like kissing guys?"
What?? Are you kidding me!
"No. I meant that I don't want to do it. I'm not comfortable with it." I am seriously getting annoyed with this guy. Sorry,man. Guy doesn't go with his personality.
"Okay." He just says that and looks out of the window. I wish I can read what he's thinking. Where's Doraemon when you need him?
"You may leave now." He doesn't look at me.
Wait, what? How rude is that?
Taking my leftover respect with me,I move away from my couch and bid him a goodbye.
Jerk doesn't even reply back.
"Boris will show you out."
"Okay."
In these moments I wished my dictionary of slangs were better. His behaviour changed so fast after knowing that he won't get the chance to use me physically. Asshole!
********
David drives me home and wishes me a goodbye. I walk upstairs being grateful for not seeing those jerks grouping here.
My day has just turned the worse and I don't want any extra.
Getting my keys out,I unlock my door and walk inside with a sad face.
I wasn't expecting anything better,but still I expected better. Does that make sense?
I have surely got a dual mind making it's own arguments.
In simple words,I knew how I was going to be treated but still hoped for something good to happen.
Maybe that handsome asshole liking me. Treating me well. He did it at the beginning but dicks don't change. They change when they see no opportunity.
I throw my clutch on the sofa and hop on my bed. I was tired of being treated like a piece of garbage. With no respect,no love. Nothing.
A tear or two prickled on the bed making the sheet wet. And then came the shower of cries.
Honestly, I don't know why I am crying. Is it because I was treated bad at the end? Or because I just came to know that the only thing worth in me for others is my body?
I wipe my tears and lay there for the God knows how many hours. I just don't want to move. I don't want to do anything. I just want a break from all of this.
I close my eyes thinking about how my life used to be when my dad was there. He treated me like a princess and I never had to worry about anything when he was around. My bitchy mom was also different at that time. She was good to me. Although she is my stepmother.
"Meera, don't be scared of falling. Because you're strong enough to stand back." My dad said. His brown eyes reflecting my own.
"But dad I'll get hurt if I fall."
"Yes you would. Do you remember the day you jumped a lot on the bed and fell on the floor, hurting your leg?"
I nod my head.
"Well, it hurt at that time. But it healed quickly and you learnt the lesson to have control when you are jumping."
"Yes. Now I don't jump on the bed."
"Exactly beta. Strange it is,but we learn from the most challenging situations of our life. It hurts us but it makes us stronger." He cupped my face.
"Be scared. But don't let it stop you from learning and getting stronger. Now put your foot on the pedal. Daddy has got your back."
I squeeze my eyes in pain. I wish my dad was here to have my back.
"You promised dad. Please come back."
I dig my head in the mattress allowing my emotions to overflow from my eyes.
God knows when all this will end.
*******
"Tell me all about it." Laila leaned towards me, whispering so that no one except us hears it in the class."Well there was this beautiful, rich ass hotel where I went wearing a less slutty dress. I was told that it's only just a meeting to understand whether we are good to walk forward.""How was the guy? Don't tell me he was old.""No he wasn't. In the contrary,he was smoking hot. I bet you would've gone all wet after seeing him.""Ooh. That's interesting and good. It's far better than an old man.""Hmm. But the more interesting part is that he's a complete asshole."Laila tightens her jaw in dissapointment."Did he try to rape you?""No,not that. In the beginning he was all good,but after I informed him that I am into nothing physical, he changed his attitude into all rude-bossy billionaire.
"Mr. Saxena, what a pleasent suprise!" He moves up from his seat to embrace Dhruv in a hug.Do they know each other? Shit!Dhruv doesn't hug back,but forwards his hand for a handshake. Rude.Though Mr. Brown doesn't look disappointed. Maybe he knows what kind of a jerk Dhruv Saxena is.Dhruv shifts his glance at me, putting me on alert. What's he going to say?"You've company." His question is directed to Mr. Brown but his eyes are at me.Get your eyes off me!!!!Mr. Brown looks at me and smiles with his creepy eyes looking at me with pride. What's that supposed to mean?"Yeah. Meet Miss Meera here. Isn't she lovely?""Yes, she is. Very much."Dhruv keeps staring at me.And I feel like hitting my head somewhere. What's happening t
I stare at him for a moment.Is this guy for real? How can he ask me to ride with him? With him!"Thank you for the offer,Mr. Saxena. But I have my ride. Thank you once again." I replied with a smile,more like a smirk.But that jerk smirks back leaving me totally confused."That wasn't a question,Miss Adarsh." He walks towards David, tells him something that I can't hear and I see David nodding his head and leaving the place.What the fuck! How can he do this?Dhruv buttons up his navy blue suit and walks towards me. He gestures me to sit in the car.Feeling hopeless, I agree and sit inside the sleek black BMW. I was going for the backseat but that asshole already pulls the door for the passenger seat for me, getting a hidden scowl from me in return. Remember, it's hidden.I r
I tap my feet on the floor with anticipation of what's coming next.After that jerk left, Eleanor called and told me that he wants us to meet and talk about the sugary deal. I don't know what other word to use.And frankly, I don't want us to be together. Dhruv is a total dick and I have seen enough of his behaviour.I'm sure that my desire to not be with him overcomes his one to have us together. I don't want to be Dhruv Saxena's sugar baby.I can pull it off with other man, but not with this man.My eyes roam around the huge meeting room, observing the chairs lined across the huge table. It looks like a business conference room where all those black and grey suits sit together with files and discuss about shit I don't understand.The door opens, revealing Eleanor walking inside with another old man I don't recognise. He's
I want to bang my head on the table.The agreement is shit!The only freedom I enjoy here is to negotiate with my limits and demands.Dhruv on the other hand looks super pleased. He gets to keep me locked in his place if he wants.Oh my God! Days under the same place with this guy will drive me nuts.I hear the old lawyer guy reading the next section in the agreement."Under Section 8.6, the Sugar Daddy is not allowed to force any kind of sexual or abusive activities against the Sugar Baby's will."Yay! I'll throw a party for this! We're talking about the consent which I am never going to give him.Dhruv's face is stoic, no bit of happy or sadness can be seen in his face. I will take classes from him on making this type of face. So that people never understand what I am feeling.Ok. Maybe I should
"I..." I see everyone staring at me. There's a tension building in the air."I need some time to think."Dhruv looks quite dissapointed but relieved at the same time. It looks like that to me, atleast."Take your time. But you've to set a time. I can't wait forever. It's you or someone else." Dhruv says grimly. He looks pissed.But more than him, I'm pissed!What does he mean by 'its you or someone else?'What am I,a fruit on sell? Though it seems like that only.I don't reply anything except giving a nod as my ultimate reply.Everyone stands up from their seats and walk out of the conference room in silence.I find Eleanor talking with the old lawyer guy whose name I still don't know. Didn't feel like asking."Meera." I hear the infamous jerk with a no-fil
"Oh my god! Are you serious,Meera?" Eleanor sounds ecstatic after hearing what I say."Yes." I hate it. I hate to say it. But I have to do this. The money is necessary and Dhruv's stated amount is more than enough to save Sonia's life.But what about me? How am I going to stay with someone I hate from the core of my heart?"It's amazing news, Meera. Honestly, I was so worried about you rejecting it and disappointing Mr. Saxena. But you made a smart decision,love. I'll say this to Mr. Saxena immediately.""Okay. But Elen, what should I do next?""You've to sign the contract after reading and verifying everything written in it. John will be adding the negotiations you both agreed to in it."Wait. Who's John? Is it the old lawyer guy?"Okay. Let me know when it's coming.""Oh,sure. It won't
"You agreed to the offer?!" Lai exclaims more than the questioning my statement." I told you,Lai. Me repeating it won't change the truth." I retort.Lai sighs and leans on her study desk, folding her arms over her chest."I hate your mom. I can't believe she asked you for money, better to say blackmailed you emotionally putting Sonia's education on stake!" She scoffs and looks outside her window on the west wing of her room."Well,she did. And she's not my mother. She can never be. Sounds cheesy like Cinderella but it's the truth. I don't even know whay father saw in her to replace her with my actual mother." I look down at my chipped nails. There's no nailpolish in them. I don't remember the last time I wore nailpolish."Maybe,she manipulated him.""Possible. But that doesn't matter now. Right now, I need a huge amount of money to st
Thank you so much for spending your time to read this story and stick through the end of it. It finally came to an end and I feel elated to have my Meera and Dhruv get together. I hope you all have enjoyed this story. What was your favourite moment in the story? Who was your favourite character? I would love to hear out all your thoughts. My sincere apologies for the mistakes throughout the novel. I promise to work on them while editing to make this story a better read for the future readers. For those who don't know, I also have another story written here known as "The Alpha of Knight". It's a Werewolf love story, so if you like my work then please do give it a shot.
One month later, I finally got custody for Sonia. Thanks to Dhruv and his high-paid, fancy private investigators and lawyers on the run, it was a piece of cake. Udipi was immediately charged and found guilty in the court. I never expected this day would come. But my heart is finally at peace. I got what I craved for a long time. Freedom from Udipi Adarsh. My house was free from investigation and so I shifted back there. Though I kept making stupid reasons to stay in Dhruv's mansion. Hey, don't judge me right away! It was not because it was comfortable. The house he gifted was no less than heaven. But it was because...you get it right?So, I had to forcefully drag myself back to my house with Laila and Sonia. Aunty and Uncle did not have a single clue that their daughter had done a heroic job of getting me out of the grasps of jail and actually visiting a police station. I don't even want them to know because Aunty will certainly pass out from
We rush past the people towards the counter of the Airport. The moment the car stopped, Dhruv's men told him that they had spotted her and stopped her in time. Sonia is also with them. The news itself made my adrenaline rush kick in and without a second thought and a second glance,I ran to the entrance. Of course it was a mistake, since the security caught me. But Dhruv got us through within a few seconds. He didn't even have to say anything. The moment the guards saw him, they understood who he was. I believe power gives that to you.A few seconds later, I spot a woman standing with a child, talking to a few men wearing black suits. My eyes grow wide in recognition and my heart feels like it will break through my ribs and land into my hand. Udipi notices me and her face loses all its colors. But all my attention is taken over Sonia who is still crying. Her one cheek looks very red. Did she slap her? That bitch! I lunged at her, in between th
In a moment, the police barges in the house and in front of my eyes, Sonia is dragged by Udipi Adarsh. I try to explain to them why I have kept my sister with me,but due to lack of evidence, they don't believe me. Plus, now they will take me in custody because according to Udipi's claim, I forced Sonia to stay with me. And because of my Sugar baby job, I am trying to push Sonia into prostitution.It takes only a few hours to find myself standing in the police, begging the officers to believe me. But they rather push my words away and consider me as the accused. What has this day turned to? Tears stream down my eyes as I stand helpless, cuffs in my hand, ready to get under the bars. Is this how my life is going to be now? And what about Sonia? I don't know what that disgusting bitch would do to my sister. Sell her to a brothel? Get her married? All these thoughts keep haunting me. And I would be able to do nothing. If I had some time, I would
"Um...I—" I don't get any words to say. I believe Dhruv will say something about it, but he stares at me too. Waiting for my answer. Marriage? Why is this topic even coming up?"Would you?" Dhruv asks and I look at him. Is this some kind of proposal? What should I do? It reminds me of Eleanor's story. The way her rich husband left her. Wait! What the fuck! Marriage shouldn't be a topic here at all! I am too young, well according to me I am. This is not the time to get married. Also, I am not going to marry Dhruv! Especially after hearing what Eleanor said. We have just got to know each other."I don't know." I look down at my nails, and there is silence for a moment."Means, you are not sure that my brother is the one for you?" Harsh asks in a serious tone. Where the fuck is this coming from?"Brothers, I think this is too much. Why ask such a question righ
Meera's POVI put on the pearl white dress Eleanor brought for me without any hesitation and sit for the two hours long torture. Why can't makeup be relaxing like a spa? After the torture is over, I look at the mirror to find my enhanced face with all the makeup and shit. "Eleanor?""Hmm?" She responds behind me, looking through something on her phone."Dhruv came to my house yesterday but I did not see Blondie—I mean the guy who is incharge of watching over us.""Yes, I know. I wanted to discuss about it with you and Mr. Saxena today but since there is a change of plan, I have to shift the meeting to some other day.""Okay. Also, are you sure that Dhruv told you to dress me up in a certain type of clothing?""Yes. He called me again after ending the call to give me specific instructions on how you shoul
Dhruv's POVI stare at the lady, who Ajay claims to be Meera's mother. It is hard to believe that the claims are true because she has nothing identical with Meera. And there is a certain malicious look in her face that only experienced eyes can catch. Which I certainly have. "Oh, I see. Hello Mrs. Adarsh."She nods her head with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Saxena. It is very nice to finally meet you.""Same here. I am fortunate that I could meet you. Meera does not speak much about her family. So I believed you did not live with her.""Ah, yes,yes. I actually come from Kolkata. I recently came here. Meera did not say anything?""No.""Oh…" she looks down. "Why would she, of course." She mumbles,but just in the way it is audible to both Ajay and my ears. Does not fit right with me."S
Dhruv's POV"Boris, make sure my suit is ready for today. I will be home by four in the evening." I tell him and he bows his head. I have told Sia to get my schedule ready today. I had plans to take Meera out,but thanks to my family, it is all ruined now. Yet, I am glad that I still get to spend my time with her. I had told Eleanor about the change in plans and she agreed to do all the arrangements. Though I don't have a clue on what arrangements she was talking about because Meera needs none. A beauty like her can bewitch people with anything. I loved her choice of wearing a saree when I took her to meet my family. One of the things I love about her. She knows what she needs to do. I don't understand why she keeps telling me that she is not good enough to earn a luxury like the one I have gifted her. A woman like her can make anything stand worth millions. She has the brains for it. I need to show her how smart she is. And how brave.
I gasp at her words. "What! But why?""It is because even if you show your love, not telling it means not considering it at all. This will give the next person the impression that you care for them but not anything more than that.""Wait a minute, love? I don't—" I hesitate. I don't love him, right? Love is a deep word to even start with."Leave it. Let's get some food. I bought some vegetables from the market. Can you make something out of them?""Hmm. Bring the packet here." She brings the packet before I start putting the vegetables on the kitchen island and see what I can make out of them. Yet my head revolves around what Lai said a few minutes ago. Will I lose him if I don't tell him my feelings?***********The next day, Eleanor calls me to her office very early and I give Lai the responsibility to take care of Sonia.